1 Human development is the scientific study of processes of change and stability.  The scientific study of human development began with studies of childhood during the nineteenth century.
verb (used with object), cultivated, cultivating. 1. to prepare and work on (land) in order to raise crops; till. 2. to use a cultivator on. 3. to promote or improve the growth of (a plant, crop, etc.) by labor and attention.
To promote the growth and development of; cultivate: detect and foster artistic talent. See Synonyms at advance. To nurse; cherish: foster a secret hope. adjective. Providing parental care and nurture to children not related through legal or blood ties: foster parents; foster grandparents; a foster home. Receiving parental care and nurture from those not related to one through legal or blood ties: foster children. Origin of foster